Disclosure Gap and Barriers to Registration

A significant disclosure gap exists in Irish higher education: while 20.2% of new entrant undergraduates disclosed at least one disability through the HEA Equal Access Survey, only 10% registered with their institution's disability support services. Barriers to disclosure include fears about career prospects, the cost of medical evidence required for registration, stigma, and a lack of awareness among students about third-level support provision. Additionally, 11.1% of students registered for supports were not eligible for any funding from the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD).